It’s derby day in SE7 this Saturday (12.30pm) as moneybags London City Lionesses roll across town. Both sides are coming off disappointing results and will be keen to get one over on their local rivals.

Charlton were deeply unlucky against Everton. Ashleigh Neville’s red card for a high boot was extremely harsh and until that point the team had been playing well. The Addicks seemed to be weathering the storm until Leighanne Robe was unlucky to see the ball bounce off her and past Sophie Whitehouse. The less said about Hawa Cissoko’s debut the better.

Charlton still saw little of the ball but were a bit more effective with it. A higher xG was created than against Liverpool, with the vast majority coming from set pieces. Neville nearly scored a worldie from about 30 yards. Unsurprisingly, the majority of Charlton’s play came down the wings with Paula Partido looking a potential threat once again.

Sadly, the entire right side will have to change for the weekend. Neville will be suspended and Partido is unable to play against her parent club. It was great to see Jodie Hutton sign a new deal with the club this week and it would probably be worthwhile to shift her back out wide. Ex Lioness Lucy Fitzgerald could swap over to the right and Gillian Kenney would be able to lead the line.

London City Lionesses have had a patchy start to the season. They beat a weak looking Manchester United side first up and then lost away to West Ham. The Hammers gave up possession and scored two goals on the break, a blueprint Charlton will surely try to follow. This could be the best time to play London City as their superstars (for example Alexia Putellas and Delphine Cascarino) haven’t had much time to settle in yet and there are cracks that will surely be fixed before long. There feels like potential for an upset here.

This weekend will see the WSL remember the life of Matt Beard, who passed away last year. Beard was most known for coaching Liverpool but he also coached at Charlton and managed Millwall Lionesses. The WSL and the FSA are encouraging fans to take part in a minutes applause in the 13th minute to commemorate Matt’s life. A sponsored walk took place last week and has raised over £2,000 pounds for charity. Anyone wishing to donate can do so here at

https://www.justgiving.com/page/march-for-matt